Los Angeles Chargers: Staff predictions for Chargers-Seahawks

The Los Angeles Chargers head to Seattle off the bye week looking to go 6-2 in the first eight games since the team went 14-2 in 2006.

The Los Angeles Chargers, four-game winning streak and all, are starting to piece together a nice season. Los Angeles has rightfully earned a top-five spot in most people’s power rankings and is a legitimate Super Bowl contender in the AFC.

The Chargers will have a big challenge in Week 9 and have a huge chance in proving that the team is for real as a contender.

The Chargers have the first tough road game of the year as the team heads up north to Seattle to face the Seattle Seahawks. While this is no Legion of Boom, the Seahawks have played well this season and are especially dangerous at home.

A win here would be huge for the Chargers in separating from the rest of the crowded AFC playoff picture. A loss is not terrible news but certainly sets the team back.

Here is what we think is going to happen on Sunday.

Redan Lopez (9-1): 24-20, Seattle Seahawks

The Chargers are a great team and coming off their bye weak against a revamped Seattle team that has dedicated itself to the run. Seattle Quarterback Russell Wilson has been extremely efficient, throwing three touchdown passes in each of his last three games.

I’m looking for Wilson’s efficiency to continue. Seattle’s lead running back Chris Carson has also led the way in the running attack, running over 100 yards in three of his past four games.

Both Carson (hip) and Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (hamstring) are listed as questionable for this game. Who knows if one or both will play. Backups Mike Davis (Seattle) and Austin Ekeler (Chargers) would be the next men up.

Chargers QB Philip Rivers has loved to throw it deep to his playmakers, especially wide receiver Tyrell Williams. I look for the Seahawks to limit Williams and deep plays downfield, capping the Chargers’ ability to move the ball. Look for the Seahawks to also hold onto the ball as long as they can to keep the Chargers deadly offense off the field.

In the end, the Seahawks will continue their resurgence after starting the season on a slow note.

Lamarr Fields (10-2): 27-24, Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks have found a run game and the defense is playing better. Seattle is a tough place to play.

Jason Reed (11-2): 31-21, Los Angeles Chargers

When dissecting this game I initially thought the Los Angeles Chargers would be in a ton of trouble. In fact, I had already committed to picking the Seattle Seahawks before reading what the others had selected.

And while I partly am picking the Chargers to have a different pick, I also talked myself into the selection.

Seattle has been good and Centurylink Field is a very tough place to play. However, with it being the Seahawks, I have a sense that the team is being slightly overrated. If this game was played in a neutral spot, I guarantee the Chargers are favored by a touchdown.

As big of a difference as the 12th Man is, I do not think it will shift the game that much, especially considering that the Chargers are used to playing with road crowds at home.